A focus on your business security is also a benefit to your employees both from a safety, and liability perspective. In this look at business security, we’re going to focus on ways to improve business monitoring as this up-front investment will deliver more value for your business than just peace of mind.

Get Advanced with Surveillance

If it’s been a few years since you’ve upgraded your security system, it’s time for a change. Technology is advancing faster than ever, but that also means higher security is more attainable than ever. Here are some features you should consider in your upgrade:

• High-resolution cameras
• Night vision
• Wide-angle lenses
• PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) capabilities
• Motion detection
• Remote viewing access

Invest in Access Control

Smart access control systems are a must if you want to stay apprised of everything going on at your business. They let you manage who enters your premises, and track their movements. Keyless entry systems, such as smart locks, and card readers, provide a secure, and convenient way to control access, letting you grant or revoke it with ease.

Integrate Alarm Systems

Make sure you get immediate alerts for any security issues so you can respond as promptly as possible. Modern alarm systems can be connected to your surveillance cameras, access control systems, and more, creating a comprehensive security network that immediately alerts you to potential intrusions, fire hazards, and other emergencies.

Don’t Forget the Environment

You want to manage employees, and visitors to your business, of course, but don’t focus on that at the detriment of monitoring the business environment. In particular, be sure to include monitoring for smoke, carbon monoxide, flooding and temperature fluctuations. Integrate sensors for these into your overall security system so you can prevent environmental threats from causing significant damage.

Conduct Regular Security Audits

Find blind spots, and vulnerabilities by conducting regular security audits, and assessments. These help you stay ahead of potential threats, and ensure that your security measures are up-to-date. Addressing weaknesses promptly can prevent unexpected breaches, and improve your overall business monitoring level.

Leverage Data Analytics

Finally, with today’s security technology, you can gain valuable insights into your business’ security performance with data analytics. By analyzing patterns, incidents, and system performance, you can improve your monitoring strategies moving forward, and see common areas or instances where you’re missing out.

These are just a few ways to improve your business monitoring. To schedule a consultation for your business with one of our commercial locksmiths, contact A-1 Locksmith today.

What’s the right balance? How much of your business’ budget should you allocate for security? Let’s help you identify a recommended percentage, and go over, some allocation options.

The Ideal Percentage for Security Budgets

For starters, let’s look at how much of your budget should be allocated for expenses in general. While opinions on numbers vary, many financial publications recommend that “your expenses should be limited to no more than (about a third) of your total revenue.” Take that number and use it to break down your spending. Most companies spend about five percent of their funds on security—which includes cybersecurity.

There are lots of variables, and unique security considerations for each business, of course, but five percent of your expenses budget is a good rule of thumb to follow for your security budget. If you don’t need cybersecurity, use all five percent for physical security upgrades. If you do need cybersecurity, make sure you’re accounting for physical security as well.

Ways to Improve Your Business’ Security

Some of your security costs will be upfront, like installing a surveillance system or smart locks. Others may be ongoing, like camera monitoring from a professional security company. Budget for the year and you’ll have a good idea for the annual, and monthly costs your business can afford. Once you’ve landed on a number, you can begin making upgrades. 

Here are some commercial security options for you to consider:

• Unpickable locks
• Automated security systems
• Upgraded safes
• Master key systems
• Security cameras
• Access control systems
• Push and panic bars
• Lock rekeys, and repairs

Finding the Right Commercial Security Company

Again, your budget needs are as unique as your business, so a professional consultation from a commercial security company will give you the clearest picture on how much you should allocate for security. Have you considered talking with a commercial locksmith? 

At A-1 Locksmith, we have years of experience installing, repairing, replacing and upgrading security features for businesses across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. We have the reviews, professional partnerships, experience, and customer service you need to have peace of mind about your business (and its budget).

If you have questions about your business’ security, and are interested in the opinion of a commercial locksmith, call the team at A-1 Locksmith today.